FOLEY — The Forward City will resound with music this week as the Coastal Chorale presents its summer concert, “Why We Sing.”

According to Chorale Artistic Director Doug Brasell, the program highlights the music group’s history.

“We went back to the start of the Chorale,” he said in an interview, explaining that the 1 1/2-hour show features “the best of the show tunes the Chorale did over the years.”

That includes a variety of genres.

“From jazz and Broadway to patriotic and serious Chorale works,” Brasell said.

The line-up includes Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin”,” Enya’s “Only Time,” highlights from Broadway’s “Chicago,” with excerpts from “And All that Jazz,” “Razzle Dazzle” and “Mister Cellophane,” as well as “Who are the Brave,” “In the Still of the Night” and “America the Beautiful.”

Brasell explained that area residents have several opportunities to see “Why We Sing,” with performances scheduled for 7:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday at the Foley United Methodist Church’s Spirit Center, located at 915 N. Pine St. in Foley. A matinee performance will also be held at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $15 each and can be obtained in advance at any Centennial Bank location (formerly Vision Bank) or from any Chorale member.

“And you can always get them at the door,” Brasell said.

This will actually be Brasell’s inaugural concert with Coastal Chorale after taking the artistic director’s helm in May.

“Mitchell Simms, who previously had the position, took the director position at the Baldwin Emergency Management Agency,” he said.

But it’s not Brasell’s first time leading music.

“I’m the music director at Foley First Presbyterian Church,” he said, “and I’m the acting assistant band director at Gulf Shores High School.”

Plus, the Troy University graduate served as drum major at Southside High School in Gadsen, as well as for Troy’s Sound of the South Marching Band.

With such experience, it’s no wonder that rehearsals for this week’s presentation started right after Brasell was selected to lead the Coastal Chorale.

“We started right after Memorial Day,” he said. “I had a few weeks to get my feet wet.”

That has led up to a show that will include 47 voices from not only Foley and its surrounding areas, but even Mobile, Pensacola and Atmore.

“We represent all of the Gulf Coast region,” Brasell said, adding that the group also represents a wide variety of careers.

That diverse group will display its talent with several selections that feature solos and special pieces.

The singers will be joined this week by pianist Jonathan Wallace, Michael Danielson on string bass and percussionist David White.

For more information about the concert or for tickets, call 943-8030 or visit www.coastalchorale.com or www.FaceBook.com/coastalchorale.